When looking to simplify our lives we are often faced with doubt; it is something we can come across everyday; either in our own mind or from the opinion of others. There is the ‘but,’ the ‘but’ that at times rears its head in our attempts to balance our own lives with a desire to live a more socially aware and sustainable lifestyle.
Most of us acknowledge on some level that the way we live in the modern world is unbalanced, that it can have negative consequences for the planet and for people.
And we want to do good, when faced with the opportunity to make a better choice, one that has a positive impact, we will try and ‘do the right thing’ or ‘make the right choice’.
Unfortunately there are many aspects of our daily life that tend to get in the way of our desire to make better choices. The very crux of the matter is our modern life is filled with stuff designed for expediency and an image and a lifestyle we all have adopted on varying levels of wholeheartedness.
And it is quiet often these very items of cheaply priced convenience and desire that have very real negative environmental and social consequences.
Yet, to stop and consider the social and environmental consequences of every choice can be a daunting expectation. And I do at times hear that little voice of doubt and haste going, but, but, but…
*But* it is just the way it is
- Although easier to accept sometimes; we need to reconsider the idea that the world is operating outside our control. If we acknowledge the poverty, starvation, exploitation, degradation and pollution, the reality of our modern lifestyle; it is harder to accept that simply, well, its’ just the way it is
- Be hopeful and acknowledge that each of us is a member of the human race and everything we do has a consequence that changes and shifts the future of the world
- By simply accepting that its’ just the way it is; we are accepting there is no hope for a brighter future for the planet and for all people
*But* its’ too hard
- Try not to be overwhelmed by choice, product labels, promises and advertising. Once we have a better understanding of the issues it is easier to make choices that have a positive impact.
- Don’t be afraid of change, it can be as easy as trying something new or making the decision to give something up even if just for a short time. What we think might be hard, will sometimes be so very easy, once we overcome the fear of change.
- Adopting new sustainable and ethical alternatives can be easy and once we make small changes if we feel the benefits they quite often become lasting habits
*But* I like all my stuff!!
- And we all work hard to have things in our lives. We work long hours in often thankless jobs to earn more money so we can have all the stuff we want. And is there anything wrong with wanting stuff?
- Having stuff can be great, but it shouldn’t define who we are or be the basis of our happiness. We need to balance our need for stuff with the consequences of a consumer lifestyle. Re-examine our wants, needs and desires and only choose to consume what we truly need.
*But* is it really that bad?
- For us lucky ones it can be hard to accept the implications of our lifestyle. When we are not faced daily with the negative effects of consumerism it is pretty easy to dismiss all the talk of how our choices affect others less advantaged then ourselves.
- But there are real issues connected to our modern lifestyle; ethical, environmental and social issues that have very real negative implications for all of us.
- With education and compassion we begin to realise that although these problems exist away from our site they are very real.
*But* its’ too expensive!
- Quite often cheap or disposable items are inexpensive because they have been manufactured in a way that compromises ethical or environmental standards for greed.
- Learn more about synthetic ingredients, conventional farming and non-union or non-fair trade manufacturing process and the real costs of these cheap items begin to emerge
- Although purchasing environmentally conscience, organic, fair-trade products may cost more at the check-out we need to decide what price we are willing to put on sustainable and ethical practices that benefit all people
*But* nothing I can do will make that big a difference
- It is so easy to be overwhelmed by the social and environmental problems existing in the world today. They are such big and scary issue that we can feel that just one person cannot make a difference. But how can we believe this.
- Maybe we don’t want to hear about the negative consequences of our consumer lifestyle but it is only us who can make the change. As long as we the consumer, continue to support damaging, greedy and unsustainable practices; manufactures will continue to exploit people and the planet.
- Every choice we make can be a choice for the better and even small things make a difference, why not do the small, simple things each of us are able to do.
*But* I’m not a Greeny, Crunchy, Hippie, Do-Gooder, I’m just a normal person trying to live my life!
- We need to step away from the idea that a sustainable and ethical way of life is only for those truly dedicated to living an alternate lifestyle.
- By taking small, simple steps and making small, simple changes and choices each of us can adopt positive change into our lives in a way that meets our needs and reflects our own lifestyle.
- A happier, healthier more ethical and sustainable life is achievable for all of us and can be obtained at our own level.
There are positive things all of us can do to have a far reaching and sustaining impact on our world. I hope that although we all have doubts and fears and in the face of our busy lifestyles we can embrace a few small changes that will reflect positively throughout our lives and the lives of others.
I know there will always be buts to overcome and in the end it is not about being perfect; it is about making the changes that speak to each of us. We need to not loose site of the things we can achieve and embrace positive change and our ability to make choices for the better.
Related posts:
- Top 5 small, simple steps to overcome a consumer mentality!!
- Balance and Consequence : Our Modern Consumer Lifestyle
- Don’t sweat the big stuff! : Positive Impact with Ethical Consumer Behaviour
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"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~Hellen Keller
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great post! I think everyone needs to read this and I will be tweeting it immediately!
Enjoying the journey, for me and being present for it, has been a bit like falling into a rabbit hole. Each step we take transforms our perspective, liberates us further and enlightens us a bit more. Once you have tasted the sweetness of your own berries, from the bushes you have planted, or you take your first savory mouthful of home grown & canned tomatoes, or perhaps, when the winter’s chill is thrown off like a damp sheet as you swallow a big glug of tea made from mint that grew outside your door, then you will know the full force the urge to care for Mamma, and to take her needs to heart first, before making any more decisions.
Blessed Be!